Mayock ranks the linebackers

[dryheat44]

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d806be9d2

[Patsmaniac]

Great info thanks for posting. Keith Rivers looks like a stud...You see the flaws that Dan Connor has. I dont think we go after him.

[NumberTwelve]

Rivers is really starting to interest me a lot. I realize he's a bit smaller, but he to be looks strong and very athletic too. I love how he takes on blockers

[bradmahn]

Just reading through the analysis of Rivers on NFL.com, he doesn't strike me as a prospect for the Patriots in the top ten. I'm sure he gets a good grade from them, but I doubt it's top ten. If they were to trade down (say, to like 31... ****!) I think he'd be a great pick, but he would never make it that far. Classic example of why Belichick attempts to get LBs from free agency.

The more I read about Gholston, the more I like him, and the more I worry he'll be gone to the Jets when the Pats pick.

[patsfan55]

Originally Posted by bradmahn

The more I read about Gholston, the more I like him, and the more I worry he'll be gone to the Jets when the Pats pick.

the feeling is mutual
http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d806be9d2

[Crazyeechrispats1]

After seeing that I would not mind a trade down and drafting Rivers if Gholston is not there, I really am confused about who I want in this draft jeez.

[sebman2112]

Originally Posted by NumberTwelve

Rivers is really starting to interest me a lot. I realize he's a bit smaller, but he to be looks strong and very athletic too. I love how he takes on blockers

He's not really small. Rivers is slightly under 6'3", and weighed 236lbs at the senior bowl. He's also built like a rock. If you look at his frame he could add weight to his midsection, and a little to his legs. Knowing that, I honestly think a good NFL strength trainer could get him up to about 250lbs (around 10-14 pounds more than he currently weighs), while maintaining his speed.

[SeanBruschi54]

Originally Posted by sebman2112

He's not really small. Rivers is slightly under 6'3", and weighed 236lbs at the senior bowl. He's also built like a rock. If you look at his frame he could add weight to his midsection, and a little to his legs. Knowing that, I honestly think a good NFL strength trainer could get him up to about 250lbs (around 10-14 pounds more than he currently weighs), while maintaining his speed.

While i agree with most of what you said. I still worry about the guy in coverage and when we're picking a player in the top 10 you want him to at least be decent in coverage and i dont think i can say that for Rivers.

[dryheat44]

Originally Posted by sebman2112

He's not really small. Rivers is slightly under 6'3", and weighed 236lbs at the senior bowl. He's also built like a rock. If you look at his frame he could add weight to his midsection, and a little to his legs. Knowing that, I honestly think a good NFL strength trainer could get him up to about 250lbs (around 10-14 pounds more than he currently weighs), while maintaining his speed.

The problem I have with that thinking is that for all intents and purposes, USC has a professional training staff, and the athletes are on a full-time weight program. I think that if he could bulk up that much without sacrificing speed, he would have done so already.

He's a player, and he looks to have the long arms you like in an inside backer, but I'm not sold on him holding up in the 3-4 enough to use a top 10 pick on him. If he plays with enough functional strength and leverage, then maybe he can be an exception to the rule that 230-something guys lack the bulk to play inside.

[VJCPatriot]

Judging from the clip, Rivers has the athleticism, just not the size. And he needs to work on his tecnique covering receivers. Looks like a mid to late 1st round pick. Not a top 10 pick.

Connor looked good shedding blocks on the inside, but his coverage is just terrible. Bad technique and I'm not sure if he has the footspeed to keep up with the faster tight ends and RBs coming out of the backfield. Looks like a mid 2nd round pick to me. He is also a little bit light in the pants at 230 lbs.

http://www.nfldraftdog.com/2008_nfl_...dan_conner.htm